What do you mean by star topology ?

[Tarjan]

Hi,

I know that star topology is one of the type of Network topology but I don't know much about it. So can you please tell me, What do you mean by star topology ? Also what are the advantages and disadvantages of star topology ??

[Icarusul]

Star is basic topology of computer networks, in which all the computers network connected to the central node (usually a network hub), forming a physical network segment. This segment of the network can operate both separately and as part of a complex network topology (usually "tree"). All information is exchanged only through the central computer, which in this way lies a very large load, because nothing else except the network, it can not do. As a rule, the central computer is the most powerful, and it is on him to bear all the responsibility for managing the exchange. No conflicts in the network with star topology, in principle, impossible, because the management is completely centralized.

[Michael25]

When the topology of the star all segments of the computers with a cable connected to a central component, called the hub (hub). The signals from the transmitting computer receives a hub for all workstation networks with the topology of the star connection of the cable to the centralized management of network configuration. But there is a drawback since all the PCs connected to a central point for large networks significantly increase the cost cable. Moreover, if the central component should fail, impair the entire network.

And if failure occurs, only one PC (or the cable connecting it to the hub), it is only a PC can not send or receive data over the network. On the other PCs are not affected.

[Zenon]

This topology is usually built on a cable system, twisted pair, although if you use the hub with an auxiliary port for connecting with a coaxial cable, you can use this connection. For example you can connect to a common network of several workstations in topology such as "tire". Thus from a given topology can be done almost any mixed topology.

[X-Ray]

This is the most common topology today. Ubiquitous, it is also very flexible in managing and troubleshooting network: the failure of one node does not disturb the overall operation of the network. In contrast, the central equipment a hub and more often on modern networks, a switch that connects all nodes is a single point of failure: a failure at this level makes the system totally unusable. The Ethernet network is an example of a star topology. The main drawback of this topology is the length of cable used.

[Valerian]

Advantages of star topology :

• failure of one workstation is not reflected in the work of the entire network as a whole;
• good scalability of the network;
• easy troubleshooting and breaks in the network;
• high performance network (subject to proper design);
• flexible administration.

Disadvantages of star topology :

• failure of the central hub will result in failure of performance network (or network segment) as a whole;
• for laying a network often requires more cable than for most other topologies;
• finite number of workstations in the network (or network segment) is limited number of ports in the central hub.